But the Galaxy’s leverage is debatable, because Beckham has an option to buy out his contract in November and leave the Galaxy for free.

“I think it is posturing. If they force him back he will walk at the end of the 2009 MLS season for nothing,” analyst Steven Cohen said. “They cannot be this stupid. They should get what they can and be done with it.

“I love it when MLS and (Galaxy parent company) AEG think they are all that and are in complete control of the situation. It is a great idea to have your big superstar, who isn’t really that good, come back to your league after having publicly saying he is not interested.”

Saturday’s events were an about-face from the Galaxy’s tough talk Friday.

Tim Leiweke, president of AEG, told The Associated Press on Friday the saga became a “distraction,” and needed to reach a conclusion to satisfy sponsors and season-ticket holders.

“We need David to honor the contract and come home and let’s stop the distraction,” Leiweke said. “David is a professional. He will get his arms around this and he will come back here.”

Remaining with the Galaxy could also jeopardize Beckham’s international career, because England coach Fabio Capello has said Beckham needed to play more competitive soccer.

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